Kevin Nash isn’t mincing words when it comes to recent reports about WWE talent pay cuts.
During a heated discussion on the Kliq THIS podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer questioned why wrestlers should continue putting their bodies on the line for dangerous spots if contracts can still be restructured or reduced afterward.
Nash’s comments come amid reports that several WWE talents were asked to accept lower-money deals under TKO Group Holdings. The situation reportedly contributed to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods leaving the company earlier this month.
Speaking candidly, Nash said he often watches modern wrestling and worries about performers taking unnecessary risks.
“I still respect them and nine times out of 10 I wish I had their number so I could call them and say, ‘What are you f***ing doing? Do not jump off the f***ing’”
He then connected those risks directly to the recent contract controversy.
Kevin Nash questions WWE contract structure and risk-taking
Nash openly questioned why wrestlers would continue crashing through tables and shortening careers if their pay could still be slashed later anyway.
“Now my thing is going to be — you know what? You’re going to end up doing something like that, they’re going to end up cutting your f***ing pay.”
The superstar formerly known as Diesel also criticized WWE’s independent contractor structure and the company’s reported use of non-compete clauses. During the conversation, Kevin Nash argued that performers are treated more like employees despite being classified as 1099 contractors.
“How about a class action lawsuit?” Nash asked before referencing WWE’s reported restrictions on talent working elsewhere during non-compete periods.
Nash additionally pointed to what he viewed as hypocrisy in executive compensation. He referenced reports of major corporate salaries while wrestlers — whom he described as the “dock workers” destroying their bodies — are reportedly being asked to take less money.
He also revealed that both his and Sean Waltman’s WWE legends royalty checks had reportedly been reduced. Moreover, itemized accounting details were removed from statements.
By the end of the discussion, Nash encouraged active WWE talent to look into SAG-AFTRA protections, making it clear he believes wrestlers need stronger safeguards before taking more punishment inside the ring. For some veterans, the “payback” no longer seems worth the bump card.
READ MORE: Recently Hospitalized WWE Star Shares New Update After Major Surgery
